Saturday
Colts @ Baltimore(-4)
Manning didn’t look all that great against a mediocre Chefs defense last week and has a rotten road playoff record and they’re playing an excellent defense on the road. Hmm, seems like a no-brainer, which probably means I’m dead, but whatever. Ravens.
Eagles @ New Orleans(-5.5)
I think it’s time for the Saints to finally get a second playoff win. It’s been a great ride for the Eagles but the Saints are rested, well-coached (never thought I’d say that), and have a nice balanced attack, plus that whole week off/being at home thing. I’m taking New Orleans.
Sunday
Seahawks @ Bears(-9.5)
Is this an interesting game? I’m not sure. I think Chicago will win but Rex will keep it a contest. Maybe Simmons is right, maybe no NFC team should get more than about five or six in these playoffs. Has there ever been a more vulnerable-looing 1 seed? If I’m Seattle I play man all the time and stack the box, daring Grossman to beat ‘em. So, eight seems like too much, so I’ll take the points looking for the Bears to win in a close one, probably on a kick return or a blocked field goal or something.
Patriots @ San Diego(-5)
OK, so, the Bolts having a week off and being at home constitutes a pretty sizeable advantage (which of course applies to all the home teams this weekend). However, the Bolts have a couple disadvantages, too: effectively a rookie QB (and he’s been awful lately), and, of course, Marty and his shining postseason record. LT on one hand, Brady on the other. San Diego has Merriman and New England has… err, what else does New England have? Jabar Gaffney? Please, that guy couldn’t even make the cut on the Texans. I know, I know, make a pick already. Pats. I learned my lesson last week: don’t bet against the Pats in the postseason. Yeah, they may not actually win them all, but it’s dangerous to bet against them.